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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 252


Page 252 of 510

Slowed cell division causes microcephaly

A single gene mutation can slow down cell division, preventing proper brain development and leading to microcephaly. This process involves the dysregulation of microtubules, which are essential for distributing genetic material between new cells.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJun 17, 2021

1 in 6 families in new study spent more than $5,000 to have a baby

A new study found that 1 in 6 privately insured families spent more than $5,000 on maternal and newborn hospitalizations, with some exceeding $10,000 if neonatal intensive care was required. Researchers analyzed data from 12 million enrollees and identified significant cost-sharing driven by deductibles and co-insurance.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJun 17, 2021

Controlling brain states with a ray of light

Scientists at IBEC successfully controlled neuronal activity in the human brain using a light-responsive molecule named PAI. This breakthrough study demonstrates spatiotemporal control of brain state transitions, opening up new avenues for basic neuroscience research and potential brain therapies.

SourceInstitute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJun 17, 2021
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Most comprehensive RNA-Atlas ever

Researchers have built a comprehensive catalogue of human non-coding RNAs using three sequencing methods. The project uncovered thousands of novel non-coding RNA genes and found correlations between RNA abundance and regulatory functions.

SourceGhent University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 17, 2021

Skeletal scaffold supports bone cells and blood vessels

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) create a biomaterial that supports the growth of bone marrow precursor cells and forms tubular blood vessels, mimicking natural bone tissue architecture. This breakthrough enables the development of 3D disease models for tissue engineering and biomedical research.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalBiomacromolecules·DateJun 17, 2021
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

The absorption of an individual electron captured on film

Physicists at University of Gothenburg create modern version of classical experiment to directly visualize electron quantization. A single levitated droplet is used to demonstrate the minimum, indivisible amount of charge, making it visible with naked eye.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 17, 2021

Financial networks: A new discipline to interpret crises and green transition

The Financial Networks discipline analyzes the interconnectedness of financial actors and contracts to understand challenges like financial crises and sustainable finance. Researchers suggest models can inform policymakers and practitioners to mitigate climate-related risks and ensure a competitive economy.

SourceUniversità Ca' Foscari Venezia·JournalNature Reviews Physics·DateJun 17, 2021

Convalescent plasma improves survival in COVID-19 patients with blood cancers

A new study published in JAMA Oncology found that convalescent plasma therapy improved survival rates in COVID-19 patients with blood cancers. The analysis showed a 48% reduced risk of death for these patients, with even greater benefits for those hospitalized in intensive care or requiring mechanical ventilation.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateJun 17, 2021

New analysis discusses role of managed retreat as a climate change response

Researchers at the University of Miami argue that managed retreat should be viewed as a proactive option to support communities and livelihoods in the face of climate change. The analysis reviews existing literature on the subject and suggests considering strategic and managed retreat alongside other responses like coastal armoring.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalScience·DateJun 17, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Mutant genes can promote genetic transfer across taxonomic kingdoms

Researchers from Hiroshima University have discovered mutant genes that facilitate genetic transfer between bacteria and other organisms across different kingdoms, including fungi and protists. The study suggests that these genes work together to activate or repress the conjugation mechanism, enabling cross-kingdom transfer.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJun 17, 2021

Passing the COVID test in just five minutes

Researchers at Osaka University have created a new, highly sensitive test for the SARS-CoV-2 virus that uses artificial intelligence and nanopore technology. The test platform achieved a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 96% for SARS-CoV-2 detection in just five minutes using clinical saliva samples.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 17, 2021

Online coaching improves choices of women experiencing pregnancy difficulties

A new study shows that personalized online coaching can help women improve their lifestyle behaviors before and after pregnancy, particularly in overweight women. The coaching program resulted in significant reductions in smoking and drinking alcohol, as well as increased odds of becoming pregnant.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalReproductive BioMedicine Online·DateJun 17, 2021
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

UCLA and UIC researchers discover foam 'fizzics'

Researchers developed advanced imaging methods to study the life cycle of liquid foams, revealing that micelles play a crucial role in determining foam stability. The findings could aid in developing new products and improving industrial processes.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2021

Study validates a highly sensitive molecular test to detect cases of Tubercul

A new study validates the Xpert Ultra molecular test as a frontline tool in routine conditions, showing improved sensitivity over its predecessor. The test detects tuberculosis cases with lower bacterial burdens and can identify asymptomatic cases in early stages of the disease.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateJun 17, 2021

Study explores how the elderly use smart speaker technology

A study by Bentley University explores how the elderly use smart speaker technology at home, revealing heterogeneous use patterns. The results show that mornings and afternoons are more active, music and news are most prevalent, and simple commands dominate interactions.

SourceBentley University·JournalBig Data Research·DateJun 17, 2021

On the road to practical, low-cost superconductors with unexplored materials

Scientists from Shibaura Institute of Technology in Japan have created single-crystalline bulk superconductors that can trap magnetic fields, achieving temperatures above liquid nitrogen's boiling point. This breakthrough enables low-cost production of high-performance materials for various engineering applications.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·DateJun 17, 2021

First months decisive for immune system development

A study published in Cell found a connection between breast milk, beneficial gut bacteria and the development of the immune system. The researchers discovered that babies whose intestinal flora can break down Human Milk Oligosaccharides have less inflammation in the blood and gut.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell·DateJun 17, 2021
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

One in a million: Fluorescent 'microtags' help track individual cells

Researchers at Skoltech have designed a labeling system for individual cells using polymer multilayer microcapsules that can be easily reproducible and non-toxic. The system allows for the tracking of single-cell behavior and migration with extreme precision, facilitating studies on cell movement and communication in populations.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 17, 2021

Historical climate effects of permafrost peatland surprise researchers

A study found that permafrost peatlands in Russia experienced a positive effect on the climate during a cool climate period, causing plant communities to dry up and release stored carbon. This led to increased emissions of carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, warming the atmosphere further.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·DateJun 17, 2021

Printable Purdue biosensor simultaneously records, makes images of tissues and organs

A new biosensor developed by Purdue University can record and image tissues and organs simultaneously during surgery, allowing for accurate localization of critical regions. The sensor's unique design and soft bio-inks enable seamless interfacing with the curvilinear surface of organs, making it suitable for various sizes and shapes.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 17, 2021

Alpine plant spins its own flavonoid wool

A newly discovered alpine plant, Dionysia tapetodes, produces fibres from tiny holes in its leaves, producing a stable wool-like material. Flavone and flavone derivatives form the complex structure of the wool through hydrogen bonding, allowing it to maintain stability.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBMC Plant Biology·DateJun 17, 2021
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Fallback strategies: Planning for climate-induced relocation

Researchers integrate disciplines to chart a roadmap for strategic and managed climate retreat. Effective processes involve diverse responses, local knowledge integration, and public deliberation. Communities can define research approaches to support adaptation strategies in their homelands.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 17, 2021

After the big storm: How to supply emergency power

A new study suggests that cooperative strategies for providing emergency power during long-duration outages can cost up to 40 times less than individual generators. The analysis focused on two hypothetical communities in New Hampshire and found that shared generator costs were significantly lower, making collective options more accessi...

SourceSociety for Risk Analysis·JournalRisk Analysis·DateJun 17, 2021
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Simple urine test may help early detection of brain tumors

Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a simple urine test that can detect brain tumors with high accuracy, using microRNAs as biomarkers. The new device can extract more microRNAs from just a milliliter of urine than conventional methods, and shows promise for early diagnosis and treatment.

SourceNagoya University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 17, 2021

Predicting resistance to anticancer drugs

Researchers have identified neural crest stem cells as a key factor in non-genetic drug resistance mechanisms, which can help predict potential resistance routes in patients and develop personalized therapies.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalCancer Cell·DateJun 17, 2021

Many patients with high priority for kidney transplants not placed on transplant waitlist

A new study reveals that many patients with high-priority kidney transplants are not being placed on the transplant waiting list, despite having long expected post-transplant survival. African Americans, uninsured individuals, and those living in lower-income communities face significant barriers to expedited waitlist placement.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJun 17, 2021
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

COVID-19 vaccines pre-prepared in syringes can be safely transported

Researchers found that COVID-19 vaccines pre-prepared in syringes can be safely transported under minor precautions, with messenger RNA remaining stable for at least three hours. The study aims to streamline vaccination processes, particularly in rural and less developed areas.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalThe Journal of Microbiology·DateJun 17, 2021

New discovery shows Tibet as crossroads for giant rhino dispersal

A new species of Paraceratherium has been discovered in China, shedding light on the dispersal of giant rhinos across Asia. The study found that the giant rhino could disperse freely from the Mongolian Plateau to South Asia along the eastern coast of the Tethys Ocean and perhaps through Tibet.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJun 17, 2021
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

'Mosquito smoothie' innovation boosts future malaria vaccine potential

A new method for collecting pure malaria parasites from infected mosquitoes could accelerate the development of new, more potent malaria vaccines. The 'mosquito smoothie' innovation enables rapid purification with fewer contaminants, increasing scalability and efficacy.

SourceImperial College London·JournalLife Science Alliance·DateJun 17, 2021

Tailored laser fields reveal properties of transparent crystals

A research team from the University of Göttingen uses powerful laser irradiation to study electrical and magnetic properties on surfaces of transparent crystals. They successfully demonstrate control over high harmonic radiation, enabling the investigation of magnetisation at the surface of magnesium oxide.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 17, 2021

EULAR Meritorious Service Awards 2021

Maxime Dougados and Josef Smolen are the recipients of the EULAR Meritorious Service Award, which honors their contributions to the field of rheumatology. They have published over 1000 articles and have promoted initiatives such as FOREUM and ACR/EULAR criteria for rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateJun 17, 2021

Biodiversity imperiled

Researchers found that altered streamside woodlands in arid regions stayed greener longer into the dry season and were less responsive to changes in groundwater levels. This threatens the long-term survival of natural forest communities and ecosystem functions.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2021
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Marine ice cliff collapse limited by ice sheet thickness

A new study suggests that ice sheet thickness and the rate of calved icebergs limit the collapse of marine-terminating glaciers. Understanding this process is crucial for forecasting potential future sea level rise.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 17, 2021

Exposure to nature during COVID-19 lockdown was beneficial for mental health

A study found that exposure to natural spaces, both public and private, reduced stress, anxiety, and improved psychological well-being among Spanish and Portuguese citizens during the first COVID-19 lockdown. In Portugal, those who maintained contact with natural spaces showed lower levels of stress and mental disorders.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalEnvironment International·DateJun 17, 2021

Numerical study first to reveal origin of 'motion of the ocean' in the straits of Florida

Researchers identify mechanisms behind formation of sub-mesoscale eddies in Straits of Florida, which play a crucial role in retaining marine organisms and nutrients. The study reveals that shear instability on the shelf contributes to the formation of these eddies, with barotropic and baroclinic instabilities driving their development.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Physical Oceanography·DateJun 17, 2021
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Researchers propose methods for additive manufacturing quality control

A team of researchers from Penn State, University of Nebraska--Lincoln, and NIST proposed a six sigma framework of quality control for additive manufacturing. The method involves five steps: defining, measuring, analyzing, improving, and controlling, to eliminate defects and drive profits.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the IEEE·DateJun 17, 2021

First report of dorsal navigation in a flying insect

Researchers discovered that sweat bees use patterns in the canopy overhead to navigate, finding their way home even in extremely low light conditions. This unique navigation system has implications for military applications, such as navigation for drones.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 17, 2021
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Stress during pandemic linked to poor sleep

A Washington State University study of twins found that stress and anxiety during the pandemic were associated with decreased sleep quality. The researchers linked self-reported mental health issues to changes in sleep patterns, showing a two-way relationship between disrupted sleep and poor mental health.

SourceWashington State University·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateJun 17, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Tug-of-war receptors for sour taste in fruit flies sheds light on human taste biology

Research finds that fruit flies use two distinct types of gustatory receptor neurons to discriminate between low and high concentrations of acid, explaining why many animals are attracted to slightly acidic foods but repulsed by highly acidic ones. A key protein, Otopetrin-like, plays a crucial role in attractive sour taste response.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 17, 2021

Theory of Tradition: Why architect Seiichi Shirai practiced calligraphy

Seiichi Shirai's practice of calligraphy was characterized by four aspects: interest in kanji's primitive aspects, emphasis on utility, asceticism, and rapid writing. His calligraphy reflected the universal potential of objects without being misled by external form or origin.

SourceShinshu University·JournalJapan Architectural Review·DateJun 17, 2021